UA Opera Theater presents its spring production, featuring Benjamin Britten's opera "The Rape of Lucretia," on Friday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 5 at 3:00 p.m. in Crowder Hall. The production is under the artistic direction of Prof. Charles Roe, who claims, "This is truly an ensemble work featuring eight of our best advanced singers. The music is well crafted and the drama is wide ranging in emotions. This is one of the great 20th century chamber operas."

Set in Ancient Rome, "The Rape of Lucretia" 
tells of the virtuous Lucretia and her downfall
 at the hands of Tarquinius. A potent fusion of
 classical drama and English opera, Benjamin Britten's 
beautiful score highlights the opera's powerful 
themes emphasizing the ongoing struggle 
between love and lust, fidelity and passion,
 evil and redemption.

Dr. Thomas Cockrell, music director and conductor, comments, "In the wake of the Second World War Britten and a small group of
 collaborators launched a new, intimate direction in modern opera. 'The Rape of Lucretia' is their first experiment in chamber opera: small cast (four
 men and four women), chamber ensemble -- woodwind quintet, string quintet,
 harp and percussion, piano to accompany recitatives. The production was
 small enough to tour and had an affordable budget. 'The Rape of Lucretia' was
 premiered in 1946 and its success lead to the next collaboration, the comedy 
'Albert Herring.'"

The cast includes Dennis Tamblyn as the 

Male Chorus, Connie Nokes-Roberts as the Female Chorus, Chris Herrera as Collatinus, Robb Harrison as Junius, Seth Kershisnik as Tarquinius, Robyn Rocklein as Lucretia, Kaitlin Bertenshaw as Bianca, and Bethania Baray as Lucia.

Please note that this performance is not suitable for children.